The clinical evaluation of fillings made witch Ketac-Cem after endodontic treatment in dogs.

The aim of this study was the clinical evaluation of glass-ionomer material Ketac-Cem used after the root canal therapy as filling. The investigations were carried out in 18 dogs. The filling was evaluated according to Rydge's modified scale. The evaluations were done shortly after treatment and repeated after two years. The investigated material is frequently used in veterinary stomatology. Only 22.22% of fillings were qualified to replacement at the second evaluation.

Endodontic decisions based on clinical appearance.

Too often, endodontically compromised teeth are ignored because they are not accurately identified, nor their significance realized. By systematically evaluating each potentially affected tooth, a practitioner can correctly diagnose endodontic cases and plan therapy accordingly. Endodontic pathology, with non-vital pulps and subsequent abscessation, can affect not only the tooth but also the rest of the patient. Physical examination, both external and oral, can be combined with tactile and transillumination assessment. Radiographic appraisal is essential in determining periapical health, both to determine the vitality of the tooth and to ascertain if endodontic therapy is appropriate, of if extraction is the best choice. This report aims to provide the reader with a clearer understanding of diagnosing endodontic cases to facilitate selection of the appropriate treatment.

Endodontic instruments for root canal therapy.

This article on endodontic instrumentation includes endodontic instruments and techniques of root-canal preparation of teeth in veterinary patients. Familiarity with instruments covered in this article and with advances in veterinary endodontics has become necessary for the veterinary dental practitioner who wishes to practice dentistry using current techniques. Veterinary endodontic techniques that help to retain the teeth longer are increasing in demand as an option to extracting damaged teeth. Endodontic treatment involves removal of the irreversibly damaged pulp, followed by cleaning and shaping of the root canal space using endodontic instruments and subsequent filling, or obturation, with a semisolid material and a sealer.

Restorative procedures after root canal therapy.

One of the most common indications for veterinary dental restoration involves replacing tooth structure after a root canal procedure. Special considerations are necessary due to the interaction of the restorative material with materials used to obturate the root canal. The restoration must provide a hermetic seal of the pulp chamber, as well as restore function. Combining several different restorative materials provides the best overall performance. In certain instances, full crown coverage is required to restore functional length or cervical anatomy.

Endodontic decisions based on radiographic appearance.

Endodontic disease or disease that affects the internal portion of the tooth is a frequently encountered oral problem of the cat and dog. There are many etiologies that can cause the tooth's health and longevity to be adversely affected. Trauma, tooth malformations of either congenital or acquired origin, and bacterial periodontal ascending infections all can lead to pulpal inflammation, necrosis, and tooth death. One must correlate history, physical exam and radiographic impressions of the tooth, and its supporting structures and adjacent teeth in determining proper treatment options and aftercare. Based on extent, timing, and involvement of adjacent structures, resulting pathology of the tooth may be endodontically treated with either a vital pulpectomy, standard root-canal therapy, surgical root-canal therapy, or when the disease is too extensive by extraction. Through a case presentation, we will discuss some of the decisions that enter into the therapy used to treat presenting pathology. It is the authors' intent to present a thought process for deriving a treatment plan to promote healing. There are many ways to achieve this healing, and therefore, there is no right or wrong plan, but rather one that is based on all the presenting factors.